As University of Oregon students are preparing for finals week, they are also trying to keep warm as the traditional winter weather has been increasingly cooler.

On top of a National Weather Service report distributed to students and faculty about the possibility of two to four inches of snowfall Thursday night, below freezing temperatures and icy roads and sidewalks have been more common around campus.

According to an info-graphic shared by Krista Dillon, the assistant director for UO emergency management & continuity, (UOEMC), approximately 60 people in the United States die each year as a result of slipping on ice.

“Whenever there is hazardous weather, especially snow and ice, it is important for people to slow down,” said Kelly McIver, communications director at UOPD. “It is really important to take your time, look where you’re going and put extra thought into things you might not normally pay attention to.”

There are many ways to prevent slipping on ice and getting to class in one piece. Traveled pathways that are directly in the sun are often less icy and could allow students to walk to class more safety. Additionally, if driving, take precaution and be aware of your surroundings. Plan ahead and be sure that you can arrive at your final destination safety.

“Members of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of coming to campus and returning home, based on individual circumstances,” Dillon said.

Additionally paying attention to your center of gravity and keeping your weight over your front leg, similar to a penguin, can help prevent slipping. It may sound silly, but penguins don’t slip as often as students do.

“No matter your mode of transportation remember that every activity will just have to be a little more deliberate than you would make it on every other day,” McIver said.

For more coverage of today’s snowfall, check out our topics page.